Best Korean Cleanser: Makeup Remover, Cleansing Oil, Foam

Top-rated Korean Cleansers

Best for Sensitive skin: Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

• Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
• 150ml
• Skin Type: All Skin Types

Ingredient Callouts :

#alcohol-free #fragrance-free #essential Oil-free #paraben-free #sulfate-free #clean-beauty

Key Ingredients :

• Soothing: Panthenol, Allantoin, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Madecassoside

Cautions for Use :

None (All-green-level ingredients)

How to Use :

Apply 2~3 pumps on wet face, gently massage, and wash off lukewarm water.

This is a whipped cream-textured hypoallergenic cleanser. Etude House Soon Jung line products all have a good combination of ingredients that can be used by sensitive skin. People often use a repair cream when their skin becomes sensitive due to high levels of external irritation for instance laser therapy in a dermatology clinic. So when the skin barrier collapses, Madecassoside which is one of the main ingredients of repair creams and contained in this cleanser as well helps to regenerate the skin. It calms the skin and moisturizing substances such as Glycerin and Panthenol are recommended for oily skin that lacks moisture. Cleaning power, ingredients, and price are all part of this great product.

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Best Overall: MakePrem Safe Me Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam

• Makeprem Safe Me Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam
• 150ml
• Skin Type: All Skin Types

Ingredient Callouts :

#alcohol-free #fragrance-free #essential Oil-free #paraben-free #sulfate-free #clean-beauty

Key Ingredients :

• Soothing: Panthenol, Betaine
• Hydrating: Sodium Hyaluronate

Cautions for Use :

Rosemary Leaf Oil

How to Use :

Dispense an appropriate amount into hands and thoroughly lather.Gently cleanse the face in circular motions and rinse off with lukewarm water.

This cleansing foam was chosen by Korean consumers as the No. 1 low-irritant and mild acid foam cleanser from the Hwahae Beauty Awards. Makeprem Safe Me Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam is well-formed, the cleansing irritant low, good cleansing power, and a pH level of 5.5 to help maintain healthy skin as well. There are moisturizing substances such as Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin, and Sage Oil to calm acne skin. But it is better to avoid it for people who have sensitive to Aroma oil cause it contains Rosemary Leaf oil.

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Best for Oily skin: By Wishtrend Acid-duo 2% Mild Gel Cleanser

• By Wishtrend Acid-duo 2% Mild Gel Cleanser
• 150ml
• Skin Type: normal, combination, oily, acne-prone

Ingredient Callouts :

#alcohol-free #fragrance-free #essential Oil-free #paraben-free #sulfate-free #clean-beauty #cruelty-free #vegan-friendly

Key Ingredients :

• Exfoliating: Gluconolactone, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
• Soothing: Panthenol, Beta-glucan

Cautions for Use :

None (All-green-level ingredients)

How to Use :

After the initial cleansing, dispense an appropriate amount and form a full lather. Then, apply over the face and cleanse in a gentle massaging motion and rinse off thoroughly with warm water.

This product is very convenient for dehydrated skin and gentle enough to use regularly. It is the best Wishtrend choice especially in summer because the skin becomes greasy and oily due to the huge amount of solar heat. With a pump, it is easy to use and carry in a small bag. It contains 2 main ingredients: 1% of Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) and 1% of Gluconolactone (PHA) which gives excellent results by exfoliating in a much mild way.

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Best 15 Korean Cleansers in 2023

I’m one of those people who think cleansers are the most important part of the skincare routine. It is an essential first step in cleaning the skin that has been exposed to the outside world, such as air pollutions, as well as makeup. Personally, I have very sensitive and dry skin and noticed that when I change cleansers, I have the most skin trouble and damage. The cleansing agents contained in the cleansers may be more irritating to sensitive skin, so it is recommended to finish cleansing within two minutes. Cleansing for a long time to completely remove makeup can further damage the skin.

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The Korean skincare products on the list are non-harmful, and part of the best-selling items that have loved by Korean customers based on tons of reviews. Also, remember that cleansers are the first and most necessary step in Korean skincare. Make sure to check the ingredients first to see if it fits your skin before making a purchase. There might be skin-irritating ingredients not suitable for your skin type.

Cleansing Water: Step 1 in Korean Skin Care Routine

Normally I wear sunscreen and light base makeup daily. So I use cleansing water to clean my face first and then finish it off with a foam cleanser. People who wear more makeup should use cleansing oils or balms which are better than cleansing water on makeup.

Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing Cleansing Water

Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing Cleansing Water

Ideal for dry, sensitive skin

Ingredient Safety: EWG
All ingredients are low hazard scores

This cleansing water is the perfect way to rebalance your skin! Our skin is weakly acidic and using a cleanser with low acidic levels will help maintain healthy glowing skin. If your skin is healthy, using an alkaline cleanser will be no problem as your skin will quickly go back to being low acidic. BUT, if your skin is damaged, outside influences will cause your skin to be weaker. Thus, I recommend Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing Cleansing Water as it is void of unnecessary ingredients with all green level components.

Moreover, it contains Centella Asiatica Extract, found in the popular Dr. Jart Cica Cream, and aids in the strengthening of the skin barrier. And It has Houttuynia Cordata Extract, a natural exfoliation component, to help skin feel smooth and wrinkle-free. However, those who have a sensitivity to aroma oils should be careful as there’s lavender oil in it.

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Reduire Refreshing Time Cleansing Water 

Reduire Refreshing Time Cleansing Water 400ml

Ideal for dry, sensitive skin

Ingredient Safety: EWG
All ingredients are low hazard scores

Reduire refreshing time cleansing water minimizes skin irritation with a weakly acidic pH5.5 and keeps skin in balance. In addition to cleaning your face well, it also contains a lot of moisturizing substances such as Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, and Honey Extract. It completed a skin irritation-free test. Also, there is no natural oil or acid ingredient that can cause trouble to sensitive skin, so I like it and use it every day.

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Korean Cleansing Oil

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil 

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil 150ml 

Ideal for dry, sensitive skin

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil gets out all the dirt (even waterproof makeup) in simply one pump! I recommend it for those who wear heavy makeup and have an oily skin type. It does not have natural oils, so the artificial oil used can be less irritating on oily skin. Since the Joseon dynasty using rice water is common people’s way of whitening their faces. Rice water is not only rich in vitamin B and minerals, but also perfect for brightening your skin. Moreover, it’s a cleansing oil and lightweight, similar to water. If you simply swipe your makeup with this oil, your skin will be instantly wiped clean.

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Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil

Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil

Ideal for dry, sensitive skin

Klairs is one of the most popular Korean skincare brands that has many vegan products as well. This mild yet effective cleansing oil is perfect for combination and oily skin to remove blackheads by melting them. With natural oils extracted from Black Bean, Soybean, and Jojoba seed, It helps to control sebum and soothes damaged skin barrier. Not only this Klairs bestseller has Tocopherol as an antioxidant, but it also rich in minerals and vitamins. Its hypo-allergenic formula gently cleanses and moisturizes your skin!

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Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil

Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil 200ml

Ideal for dry, sensitive skin

This cleanser is the best-selling oil cleanser in Olive Young also known as Korea’s Sephora. Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil was selected from various beauty information platforms, including the Get-Beauty Award and the HwaHae Beauty Awards which has more than 4M reviews by Korean customers. More than artificial oils, Natural oils such as Glycine Soja Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, and so on are contained in high amounts in this cleansing oil. 

If you want to get rid of blackheads and sebum on the nose, this is the perfect cleansing oil to melt them. It is more effective than using a nose pack. Furthermore, using a nose pack pulls out the sebum and blackheads, but also makes your pores much bigger. So I recommend melting the impurities using this kind of cleansing oil instead.

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Cleansing Balm: Korean Makeup Remover

BANILA CO Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

BANILA CO Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original 100ml

Ideal for dry, normal, oily skin

This sherbet-like balm is great to remove heavy makeup in one single step. With Banila Co Cleansing Balm, you can finish the cleansing in one single step without lip&eye remover. Solid balm form changes into soft oil type very quickly upon touching skin to washes away impurities. Also, Acerola extract in the balm is rich in vitamin C to prevent aging and helps brighten dull skin. This best-selling item has tons of amazing reviews. Plus, it’s formulated with non-irritating ingredients like Paraben-free, Alcohol-free, Sulfates-free, Mineral oil-free. However, please note that it contains fragrance though.

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Heimish All Clean Balm

Heimish All Clean Balm 120ml

Ideal for combination, oily, acne-prone skin

Heimish All Clean Balm goes on as a solid balm melts upon contact with skin into a silky oil cleanser then becomes milky while rinsing. This multi-cleansing balm contains Coconut Extract and Shea Butter to removes all makeup and dirt completely yet not tightness at all after cleansing. If you have acne-prone skin and tolerant of shea butter and essential oils, this makeup remover can be right for you because Tea tree oil in it is well-known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions. What’s more, it’s natural, Paraben-Free, Alcohol-free and Hypoallergenic!

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I’m From Fig Cleansing Balm

I’m From Fig Cleansing Balm 100ml

Ideal for dry, normal, combination skin

I’m From Fig Cleansing Balm is formulated with 7.8% of Fig oil water that is rich in vitamins and has an excellent moisturizing effect. Not only It gently washes all impurities on the skin, but also you could do blackhead care at once. This cleanser is a bit softer than other balm-type products and it’s hypoallergenic and vegan-friendly!

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Korean Lip & Eye Makeup Remover

Laneige Lip & Eye Remover Waterproof

Laneige Lip & Eye Remover Waterproof 150ml

Ideal for dry, normal, oily skin

Using a non-irritant eye makeup remover is more important for less eye wrinkles, than putting on expensive eye cream. This is a hypoallergenic eye make-up remover whose fermentation process is similar to the famous Estee Lauder products. Lactobacillus Ferment in this product soothes the soft skin under the eyes and lips. Laneige Lip & Eye Remover also contains Chamomilla Flower Extract, Aloe Leaf Extract, and Glycerin, which helps the skin remain moisturized after cleansing. In addition, it is separated into two layers and used best after shaking. Moreover, people whose eyes hurt when using makeup remover like me should make sure there is no benzine alcohol, fragrance, or natural oils in the product before buying it.

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Laneige Lip&eye Remover Waterproof 150ml

$19.16

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Jolse.com

Innisfree Apple Seed Lip & Eye Makeup Remover

Innisfree Apple Seed Lip & Eye Makeup Remover 100ml

Ideal for dry, normal, oily skin

This is a dual lip and eye makeup remover! Innisfree Lip & Eye Makeup Remover is enriched with Apple Seed Oil and Apple Fruit Extract which both aid in gentle and thorough cleansing. Detergency is very well but I don’t recommend this product for oily skins because it contains coconut oil that might cause acne by blocking pores. And the preservative, Phenoxyethanol, is also part of this product in a small amount, so consider this before buying.

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innisfree - Apple Seed Lip & Eye Makeup Remover - 100ml

$9.49

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Stylevana.com

ETUDE HOUSE Lip & Eye Remover

ETUDE HOUSE Lip & Eye Remover

Ideal for dry, sensitive skin

Ingredient Safety: EWG
All low hazard scores

This lip and eye remover is effective and affordable. It contains silicone oil that prevents moisture from leaving. The balance of water and oil in the remover gently, yet effectively, erases all traces of makeup. More, it is strong enough to remove waterproof makeup. It’s suitable for sensitive skin with alcohol-free, fragrance-free, essential oil-free which makes the eyes feel less irritated by cleansing. I recommend Etude House Lip & Eye Remover for those who are on the lookout for a great gentle remover while not spending a lot!

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Etude House - Lip & Eye Remover - 250ml

$11.09

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Stylevana.com

Korean Foam Cleansers

Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser

Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser 100ml

Ideal for dry, sensitive skin

Innisfree Blueberry Cleanser has a pH level of 5.5, helping to maintain a suitable pH level on the skin’s surface for a healthy skin barrier. Allantoin and Glycerin, which are effective in skin-soothing and moisturizing, help keep the skin feel soft after cleansing. However, it contains lavender oil, Orange Peel Oil, and Citric Acid, which may not be suitable for certain skin types. Skin types that respond adversely should use a different product.

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innisfree - Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser - 100ml

$5.89

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Stylevana.com

Real Barrier CONTROL-T Cleansing Foam

Real Barrier CONTROL-T Cleansing Foam 190ml

Ideal for combination, oily, ance-prone skin

Ingredient Safety: EWG
All ingredients are low hazard scores

Real Barrier Control-T Cleansing Foam is the perfect cleanser for pimples and sebum in the T-zone. I recommend it to acne skin because it is a gel-type cleanser with anti-sebum properties such as Evening Primrose Flower Extract. It also contains exfoliation components such as Palmic Acid and Stearic Acid, so if you use this product to clean, you should not use any more exfoliating agents. Calendula Flower Extract, Witch Hazel Leaf Extract, and Tea Tree Extract help relieve the skin. It’s good for oily skin that lacks moisture because it cleanses well and also moisturizes.

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Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser Moisturizing

Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser Moisturizing

Ideal for dry, sensitive skin

Ingredient Safety: EWG
All ingredients are low hazard score

Olive oil is one of the most natural and effective ways of cleansing. Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser Moisturizing contains high amounts of powerful ingredients like Ginseng Root Extract, Chamomile Extract, and Wheat Seed Extract to help cleanse and maintain your skin. It also has a high content of natural oils such as Jojoba Seed Oil and Kernel Oil. Cause It is 99.5% made of organic vegetable ingredients, your skin feels soft and moisturized after cleansing. This non-irritable cleanser is not only EWG verified in America, but also vegan certified and dermatologically tested in the United Kingdom from their Vegan Society. You will be amazed by the smoothness of this only on your skin and the effects.

Before purchasing, don’t forget to check skincare ingredients on labels and where to look for information, EWG Skin Deep ratings could help you as a reference point. For details, head EWG (Environment Working Group) official website.

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